PORTLAND (AP) — State officials and organizers of the popular Hood to Coast Relay are defending their safety measures after an 18-year-old runner in the event was hit by a car near Scappoose.

The runner, 18-year-old Chelsee Casky of Portland, remains hospitalized in serious condition. The driver, 20-year-old Chrystal Meyer of Rainier, was charged with assault and driving under the influence of drugs after the weekend incident.

Race director Richard Foote says planners meet often with state and local transportation and safety agencies to evaluate the course and consider changes to better protect participants. Casky was on the shoulder the highway and wearing a reflective vest and headlamp when she was hit. State police said she is in no way to blame.